The European project Unpack the Arts welcomes cultural journalists to offer them residencies in the framework of festivals, to develop critical discourses and circulation of knowledge, to further their role towards the (circus) arts and nowadays societies. Cultural journalists, critics, chief editors from all kind of media support can apply for the project.

There will be 12 residencies in 10 festivals, spread over 2 years (August 2012 – February 2014). Of course, as journalist you choose one residency to be part of (check the First Call). Each residency is held in the framework of a festival and is built following the same format: duration of 4 days, a moderator animates thematic discussions, lecture by key experts, attendance to 3-5 shows, meetings and interviews with the artists programmed and the hosting presenter. Some sessions, in particular the interviews with artists and the keynote lecture, might be open to the general public.

As part of a residency, each participant will deliver 1 article (2,000 words) in their language. The texts will be collected, edited and turned into an online multilingual publication, each article appearing in its original language and an English translation.

There is no registration fee to participate to a residency. Furthermore, the organisers will assume all the costs related to the residencies: flight / train, transfers, hotel nights, meals, tickets for shows.

First Call for applications

This First Call of Unpack the Arts relates to the first three festivals of the project.
Apply before 6 July 2012 to be part of one of these three residencies:

>> 15 - 18 August 2012, Ny Cirkus festival (Copenhagen, Denmark).
 www.kit.dk
>> 31 October - 03 November 2012, CIRCa festival (Auch, France).
 www.circa.auch.fr

>> 8 - 11 November 2012, Festival novog cirkusa (Zagreb, Croatia). www.cirkus.hr

Fill in the application form (in English) and send it in time to info@unpackthearts.eu.
Please add your CV [preferably using the Europass CV] and a covering letter.

Who can apply?

>> Cultural journalists, including arts writers, critics, theoreticians working for any kind of media and support, e.g. (online) magazines, newspapers, radios, televisions, new media platforms…

>> Media professionals focusing on performing arts - no knowledge on contemporary circus is required

>> A 3-year experienced and still active cultural journalist – students or newly graduated cultural journalists with no experience cannot apply

>> Journalists with a good level of spoken and written English, living in one of the 35 countries participating in the Culture programme of the European Commission [check this list]

Selection

The partners will select 10 beneficiaries per residency, taking into account the geographical scope of the project and balancing genders, backgrounds and practices.

Keep an eye on the website for the next two calls (to be published later in 2012/13) and full list of participating festivals.